An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Sept. 27, 2022

Seeking Clinical Mental Health Services? Learn What TRICARE Covers

By TRICARE Communications

Being healthy means more than just having a strong body. It includes mental and emotional well-being, as well. Are you feeling angry, preoccupied, or have no energy? Perhaps your sleep or eating habits have changed.
 
These are just a few symptoms of underlying mental health challenges. If left untreated, they could affect your physical health. That’s why TRICARE covers a variety of mental health services. These services can help you get care so you can stay balanced, in both mind and body.
 
“We encourage all TRICARE families to be aware of the important role mental well-being plays in living a balanced, well-integrated life,” said Dr. Krystyna Bienia, clinical psychologist and senior policy analyst at the Defense Health Agency. “If you feel like things aren’t right, take action as soon as possible to work with your doctor to see what services are right for you.”
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 50% of Americans are diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. If you’re struggling with your mental health—you’re not alone—and TRICARE provides coverage that can help.
 
How do you access mental health care?
TRICARE covers a wide variety of medically necessary services to help service members and family members. However, before you plan to see a mental health expert, be sure to check what services require a referral and/or pre-authorization. You can also contact your TRICARE contractor to find out.
 
If you and your doctor decide that you might benefit from nonemergency mental health services, keep in mind that how you get care may depend on your beneficiary category and your health plan.
 
Follow these guidelines if you:
  • Are an active duty service member (ADSM), you should first seek nonemergency care at a military hospital or clinic. ADSMs who get care from a civilian provider will need a referral and pre-authorization to receive services.
  • Have TRICARE Prime, you don’t need a referral to see a network provider for office-based outpatient mental health services.
  • Have TRICARE Select, you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider. But you’ll lower your out-of-pocket costs if you choose to see a network provider.
  • Have TRICARE For Life, Medicare is the primary payer for your mental health care. You only need a referral or pre-authorization from TRICARE if your Medicare benefits are exhausted.
 
For additional information, see the table on the Getting Mental Health Care page. It breaks down how coverage works for you.
 
What mental health services does TRICARE cover?
Depending on what services you need, there are two primary categories of covered mental health services. They’re outpatient and inpatient.
 
Outpatient Services
Outpatient treatment is available at some military hospitals and clinics. You can also get care from civilian providers who are TRICARE-authorized. Appointments can be in-person or may be delivered via telemedicine.
 
Some types of covered outpatient treatment include:  
Inpatient Services
You may need more intensive treatment that requires inpatient stay. If that’s the case, TRICARE covers some inpatient services:  
You can find more inpatient and outpatient services by going to Covered Treatments, or searching for services on TRICARE’s Covered Services page. Keep in mind that certain mental health services may not be available overseas. Check with your TRICARE Overseas Program Regional Call Center for specifics.
 
What are your mental health costs?
You can use the Compare Costs tool to see costs for mental health services. As described in the TRICARE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Fact Sheet, you can lower costs by seeking care at military hospitals or clinics or from TRICARE-authorized network providers. ADSMs have no costs for mental health services from or authorized by the Military Health System.
 
What about mental health emergency services?
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You won’t need a referral or pre-authorization to be admitted. Just be sure to call your TRICARE regional contractor within 24 to 72 hours of admission to coordinate your care.
 
If you or a loved one are going through mental health-related distress—thoughts of suicide, mental health crisis, or any kind of emotional distress—you can also dial 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. The three-digit number connects you with trained counselors.
 
Is your child showing mental or emotional distress? If so, check out “Let’s Talk: Youth, Mental Health, and TRICARE” article to learn more about the importance of seeking care early. To find a mental health provider, you can use the Find a Doctor tool. And go to TRICARE’s Mental Health Care page to find more information and resources.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
Three uniformed service members and a fourth person stand smiling and at the camera and holding a pug.

Unlock Your Health: How To Get Mental Health Car...

News
May. 29, 2025

Mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. Whether you’re having difficulty managing day-to-day...
Read More
Woman smiles while working on a laptop.

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Youn...

News
May. 22, 2025

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how...
Read More
Service member examines medication at a military pharmacy.

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescri...

News
May. 20, 2025

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy...
Read More
A man poses for a photo in a maintenance shop with a saw table behind him.

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

News
May. 14, 2025

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you...
Read More
Dentist and pediatric patient give thumbs up.

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care...

News
May. 13, 2025

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important...
Read More
Two nurses wearing blue scrubs and face masks point to chart on a wall.

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary ...

News
May. 09, 2025

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every...
Read More
Man and woman smile while holding a baby.

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime At...

News
May. 07, 2025

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are...
Read More
Map of West Region states and TRICARE logo. Text: Referral approval waiver: Referral approvals are waived through June 30.

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval ...

News
Apr. 30, 2025

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has...
Read More

May 29, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How To Get Mental Health Care With TRICARE

Mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. Whether you’re having difficulty managing day-to-day stress or navigating more complex challenges, TRICARE offers mental health support when—and where—you need it.

May 22, 2025

Learn About TRICARE Health Plan Options for Young Adults

As graduation season arrives, TRICARE-eligible young adults and their family members should understand how this milestone affects their TRICARE health coverage. Here’s what you need to know about TRICARE health plan options for young adults.

May 20, 2025

Getting Prior Authorizations for TRICARE Prescriptions: Your Questions Answered

When you’re covered by a TRICARE health plan, you also have pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program. You should be familiar with certain terms that can help you make the most of your pharmacy benefit, including prior authorization. Prior authorization is a routine process to ensure your prescription drug is medically necessary and cost effective.

May 14, 2025

TRICARE Is Your Partner in Mental Health Care

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone and are a serious mental health concern. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is available, and TRICARE is here to support you.

May 13, 2025

TRICARE Dental Program Offers Comprehensive Care for Children

Did you know that oral health has important links to your overall health? That’s why it’s especially important that children get proper dental care from an early age. This helps them maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. The TRICARE Dental Program provides dental coverage for eligible children of service members, helping your children access important dental care.

May 9, 2025

Military Nurses: An Inspiring and Extraordinary Ready Force

Military nurses have an unwavering commitment to advancing our health and wellness to ensure that every service member is fit to fight, that our medical teams are trained and ready, and that our families receive the care they deserve. This week, we honor the strength and dedication of the extraordinary professionals who serve both our country and warfighters with unwavering courage. Whether they are on the frontlines, in field hospitals or at military medical centers around the world, their commitment to care under the most challenging conditions inspires us all.

May 7, 2025

Defense Health Agency Announces TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa, Competitive Plans Demonstration Options Starting in 2026

Do you live in the Atlanta, Georgia or Tampa, Florida metropolitan area? Your TRICARE health plan options are about to expand. Starting in January 2026, TRICARE Prime Atlanta and TRICARE Prime Tampa options, a Competitive Plans Demonstration, will bring more choices to eligible beneficiaries. These options are administered by CareSource Military & Veterans. Enrollees will get care from CSMV’s network of primary and specialty care providers.

April 30, 2025

Defense Health Agency Extends Referral Approval Waiver Through June 30 for West Region TRICARE Prime Enrollees

Do you live in the West Region? Do you have TRICARE Prime? You should know that the Defense Health Agency has extended the West Region referral approval waiver through June 30. TRICARE-authorized specialty care providers don’t need to wait for TriWest Healthcare Alliance to approve referrals issued by your primary care manager before providing outpatient care.

April 29, 2025

Disenrolled From Your TRICARE Plan in the West Region? Here’s How To Reinstate Your Coverage After April 30

Do you currently live in the TRICARE West Region? Do you pay for your TRICARE coverage using a bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card? If you haven’t done so already, you must securely provide your payment information to the West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, by April 30. If you haven’t submitted payment to TriWest by April 30, you and your family members will be disenrolled from your TRICARE plan on May 1. This disenrollment is retroactive to your paid-through date.

April 24, 2025

Safely Dispose of Unused Prescriptions on April 26, National Drug Take Back Day

Did you know that Saturday, April 26, is the next National Drug Take Back Day? It’s a day to safely dispose of unwanted, expired, or excess medications. But it’s also important to know that military pharmacies offer ways to safely dispose of drugs all year long through the Military Health System Drug Take Back program.